Mixing Device Configured to Blend Food

ABSTRACT

A mixing device configured to blend food. The mixing device includes a base enclosing a motor. The base includes a recessed area and a projection extends from the recessed area. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. The collar has a blending tool that is operatively engaged with the motor when the collar is positioned on the base. Further, a splash guard is removably mounted to the base. The splash guard covers said recessed area. A space defined by the recessed area of the base and the splash guard provides storage for a cap. The cap is releasably mounted to the projection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/581,725, filed Oct. 16, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a mixing device configured to blend food and, more particularly, to a mixing device or blender that includes a removably mounted dispensing spout and a removably mounted splash guard that encloses a storage space.

Mixing devices or blenders are a relatively common household or kitchen appliance that are used to blend foodstuff, typically drinks or other foodstuff that is blended into a semi-fluid state. A typical blender includes a base that encloses a motor housing and a container comprised of a jar and a mixing assembly. The base includes a blending tool rotatably mounted thereto. The blending tool is rotatably engageable with a drive shaft of the motor in an operating configuration. More recently it has become popular to provide the blending jar or collar with a spout having a valve. The spout is used to dispense “smoothie” type products. That is, foodstuff is placed into the container and the container is engaged with the base. The foodstuff is blended and a handle of the spout is positioned to raise the valve to dispense or pour the blended foodstuff from base of the container.

When dispensing blended foodstuff through a spout, the foodstuff inside the spout can leave quit a mess. It would be desirable to remove the spout from the blender after blending the foodstuff. This would allow a user to more easily clean the spout before either using the blender for other foodstuff or storing the blender. In the same sense, it would be desirable to remove the valve housed inside the spout so that the valve can be properly cleaned before either storage or its next use.

When using a conventional mixing device or blender, blended foodstuff often escapes from inside the container either through the top of the jar or through the spout and splashes on the exterior of the mixing device. It would be desirable to include a removably mounted splash guard on the front of the base of the blender to prevent the front of the blender from accumulating splashed or spilled foodstuff. The splash guard may be positioned on the front of the base of the blender under the spout such that spilled or splashed blended foodstuff does not collect on the base of the blender. It would be desirable if the splash guard was removably mounted to the base so that the splash guard could be cleaned separately from the dispensing blender.

Further, blenders often come with various small parts, components or accessories that enhance a user's experience of the blender. Typically, such small parts are stored loosely with the blender and are often lost as a result. It would be desirable to further provide a self-storage space inside the blender, separate from the areas used to blend the foodstuff. This storage space would allow a user to keep small, ancillary components of the blender in a place that is easily assessable but not obstructive to the normal use of the blender. For example, it would be desirable to provide a space and a structure inside the blender to secure a cap which is used to prevent foodstuff from escaping from the blender.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a mixing device configured to blend food. The device includes a base housing a motor. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. The collar includes a blending tool operatively engaged with the motor when positioned on the base. A dispensing spout is removably mounted to one of the collar and the jar. The dispensing spout includes a plunger valve positioned therein. The plunger valve is movable between a first position wherein food flows through the dispensing spout and a second position where food is prevented from flowing through the dispensing spout. The plunger valve is removably mounted to the dispensing spout.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a mixing device configured to blend food. The mixing device includes a base enclosing a motor. The base includes a recessed area and a projection extends from the recessed area. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. The collar has a blending tool that is operatively engaged with the motor when the collar is positioned on the base. Further, a splash guard is removably mounted to the base. The splash guard covers the recessed area. A space defined by the recessed area of the base and the splash guard provides storage for a cap. The cap is releasably mounted to the projection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention described in the present application, there is shown in the drawings, an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a mixing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the mixing device shown in FIG. 2, taken along line 2A-2A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a base of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the base of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of a collar of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front right perspective view of a splash guard of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front right perspective view of the base and splash guard assembled;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the base and splash guard assembled;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the splash guard and base;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a dispensing spout with a dispensing handle in a closed position;

FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of the dispensing spout with the dispensing handle in an open position;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the dispensing spout and a gate valve;

FIG. 14 is a front right side perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the mixing device shown in FIG. 1 with the splash guard and dispensing spout removed for clarity;

FIG. 15 is a rear left side perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout;

FIG. 16 is a rear left side perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of a cap of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the second preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the dispensing blender and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-17 a mixing device, generally designated 10, configured to blend food (not shown). The mixing device 10 is preferably in the form of a conventional kitchen blender, but could be other products such as a food processor or smoothie machine. The mixing device 10 includes a base 12 housing a motor 14. The base 12 has an outer housing 16 which is preferably formed of high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material. The outer housing 16 is used to contain the motor 14 and other operational elements of the blender well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The outer housing 16 includes vent openings 18 in the base thereof and an electrical cord 20 for providing power to the motor 14. The outer housing 16 also includes a series of push buttons 22 used for controlling the operation and speed of the motor 14, in a manner well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The base 12 preferably includes a series of feet 24 for providing the mixing device 10 with stability.

In reference to FIGS. 5, 10 and 14, the base 12 includes a recessed area 26. The recessed area 26 extends from one side of the base 12, preferably the front 12 a, to a top 12 b of the base 12 and generally covers the front width of the base 12. A conventional clutch 64 is positioned near the top of the recessed area 26. The clutch 64 is driven by the motor 14. A storage area 66, located in the recessed area 26, provides a location to store a cap 68. Specifically, a projection 102 extends from the storage area 66. The cap 68 is releasably mounted to the projection 102 by a threaded engagement. In the preferred embodiment, the projection 102 is generally similar in shape to that of the dispensing spout 48 and located generally in the center of the recessed area 26. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the shape and location of the projection 102 can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the cap 68 could be secured in the recesses area 26 through other means, such as a channel or a hook. Further, an aligning groove 90 runs along a perimeter of the recessed area 26.

In the preferred embodiment, a jar 28 is removably mounted to the base 12. The jar 28 is open at the top and shaped to contain food for blending. The jar 28 is preferably formed of high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the jar 28 could be formed of a variety of materials, such as glass or other similar material. The jar 28 has a lid 92 to enclose the open end of the jar 28 and keep blended foodstuff in the jar 28. A blending tool 94 in the interior of the base 12 is operatively connected to the motor 14 to blend the foodstuff. The blending tool 94 is preferably in the form of a series of sharp blades 94 a which are driven by the clutch 64. The jar 28 includes a handle 30 which allows the jar to be easily removed from the base 12. The handle 30 of the jar 28 is preferably permanently attached to the jar 28 or pivotally attached to the jar 28. The handle 30 allows the jar 28 to be easily removed from the base 12. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the jar 28 is not required to have a handle 30. For instance, the user could merely grab the jar 28 with the palm of their hand and remove the jar 28 from the base 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6 and 14, a collar 32 is removably mounted between the base 12 and the jar 28. The collar 32 has an outer housing 52 that is preferably formed of high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material. The interior of the collar 32 includes a series of threads 32 a for securing the collar 32 to the bottom of the jar 28. The blending tool 94, positioned within the collar 32, is operatively engaged with the motor 14 when the jar 28 is position on the base 12. That is, the operation of the clutch 64 on the base 12 in connection with the blending tool 94 of the jar 28 is well understood by those skilled in the art and, therefore, further description thereof is a matter for purposes of convenience only and is not limiting. As described in more detail hereinafter, a dispensing tube 48 projects from a side of the collar 32. The dispensing tube 48 includes locking keys 50 (FIGS. 6 and 13) or threads 104 (FIG. 14) on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 33. The dispensing tube 48 is in fluid communication with the interior of the collar 32 and jar 28.

In reference to FIGS. 11-13, one preferred embodiment of a dispensing spout 36 is removably mounted to one of the collar 32 and the jar 28. The dispensing spout 36 includes a gate valve 38. The gate valve 38, positioned in the dispensing spout 36, is movable between a first position, as seen in FIG. 12, where food flows through the gate valve 38 and a second position, as seen in FIG. 11, wherein food is prevented from flowing through the gate valve 38. The dispensing spout 36 further includes a dispensing handle 40. The dispensing handle 40 is secured to the gate valve 38 for moving the gate valve 38 between the first and second positions. A valve bore 54 extends across the width of the dispensing spout 36. A generally arcuate stopper rib 56 is positioned at a periphery of one side of the valve bore 54 and a radially extending key slot 58 extends outwardly from a periphery of the valve bore 54.

The gate valve 38 includes a generally cylindrical seat 41 sized to complimentary fit within the valve bore 54. The seat 41 includes O-rings 41 a positioned at opposite ends of the seat 41 to sealingly position the seat 41 within the valve bore 54. The dispensing handle 40 is located at one end of the seat 41. A hub 42 is located on a side of the seat 41 opposite the handle 40. As described in more detail hereinafter, the gate valve 38 is removably retained in the dispensing spout 36 with a key and slot arrangement. That is, an alignment key 44 extends from a peripheral edge of the hub 42. The seat 41 also includes a dispensing groove 46 in one side thereof to control the flow of blended foodstuff through the dispensing valve 36.

To assemble the gate valve 38 in the dispensing spout 36, the user would align the alignment key 44 of the gate valve 38 with the key slot 58 of the dispensing spout 36. The gate valve 38 then slides into the valve bore 54 of the dispensing spout 36. A user then grasps the handle 40 connected to the gate valve 38 and moves the handle 40 upwards towards the jar 28. During this motion of the handle 40, the alignment key 44 moves in a circular path along the exterior side of the dispensing spout 36 until the alignment key 44 comes into abutting contact with the stopper rib 56. In this position as seen in FIG. 11, the gate valve 38 is in this closed position. When the gate valve 38 is in this closed position, the dispensing groove 46 is out of alignment with an outlet 96 of the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32. Food is therefore prevented from flowing through the dispensing spout 36. In the position as seen in FIG. 12, the gate valve 38 is in the open position. To move the gate valve 38 from the closed position to the open position, the user grasps the handle 40 and moves the handle 40 downward away from the jar 28. During this motion of the handle 40, the alignment key 44 moves in a circular path along the exterior side of the dispensing spout 36 away from the stopper rib 56. In this open position, the dispensing groove 46 is in alignment with the outlet of the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32. Food is therefore permitted to flow through the dispensing spout 36.

To remove the gate valve 38 from the dispensing spout 36, the user moves the handle 40 of the gate valve 38 away from the jar 28 as shown in FIG. 12. When the alignment key 44 of the gate valve 38 reaches the key slot 58 of the dispensing spout 36, the user can easily remove the gate valve 38 from the valve bore 54 of the dispensing spout 36 by sliding the gate valve 38 axially out of the dispensing spout 36. The ability to either insert the gate valve 38 into the dispensing spout 36 or remove the gate valve 38 from the dispensing spout 36 allows a user to easily clean these parts of the mixing device 10 in preparation for storage or further blending of food.

In reference to FIGS. 15 and 17, a second preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout 36 is removably mounted to one of the collar 32 and the jar 28. The dispensing spout 36 includes a plunger valve 112 and spring 124 attached to a stopper 118, positioned therein, and movable between a first position wherein food flows through the dispensing spout 36 and a second position where food is prevented from flowing through the dispensing spout 36. The plunger valve 112, spring 124 and stopper 118 are removable from the dispensing spout 36. The dispensing spout 36 further includes a dispensing handle 114. The dispensing handle 114 is secured to the plunger valve 112 for moving the plunger valve 112 between the first and second positions. In the preferred embodiment, the handle 114 is either lifted or lowered to either raise or lower the plunger valve 112 to allow or prevent the blended foodstuff from flowing out the dispensing tube 48. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the handle 114 can be modified such that it may be twisted or depressed to raise or lower the plunger valve 112 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The dispensing spout 36 of the second preferred embodiment includes a base 116, the stopper 118, the plunger valve 112 having the spring 124, a lid 120 and the handle 114. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the base 116 of the dispensing spout 36 of the second preferred embodiment threadingly engages the collar 32 via threads 104, 106. The stopper 118 rests inside the base 116 of the dispensing spout 36. A lower portion of the plunger valve 112 engages an interior portion of the stopper 118. When the plunger valve 112 and stopper 118 are connected, these two structures move in unison. The stopper 118 is preferably formed of rubber. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the stopper 118 can be formed of a variety of materials that would provide a proper seal to prevent blended foodstuff from flowing out of the dispensing spout 36. The lid 120 encloses the plunger valve 112, the spring 124 and the stopper 118 within the base 116 by threadingly connecting to a top portion of the base 116. In this configuration, the plunger valve 112 extends through a central opening 121 in the lid 120. The handle 114 engages an upper portion of the plunger valve 112 to control the motion of the plunger valve 112. The components of the second preferred embodiment of the dispensing spout 36 are removably connected to allow the dispensing spout 36 to be properly cleaned after a user blends foodstuff in the mixing device 10.

To assemble the second embodiment of the dispensing spout 36, a user places the plunger valve 112 inside the spring 124. Next, the user inserts the plunger valve 112 and the spring 124 inside the stopper 118 such that a lower portion of the plunger valve 112 grips an interior portion of the stopper 118. A user then places the assembled plunger valve 112, spring 124 and stopper 118 into the opening of the base 116. Next a user threadingly engages the lid 120 to the base to enclose the plunger valve 112, spring 124 and the stopper 118. The handle 114 is then operatively connected to an upper portion of the plunger valve 112. Preferably the handle 114 includes projections (not shown) that engage slots 122 in the upper portion of the plunger valve 112. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the connection between the upper portion of the plunger valve 112 and the handle 114 can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the handle 114 can be friction-fitted to the plunger valve 112 or a detent could be used. The spring 124 of the plunger valve 112 biases the stopper 118 in the closed position such that the stopper 118 prevents blended foodstuff from flowing out of the dispensing spout 36. To allow blended foodstuff to flow out of the dispensing spout 36, a user would lift the handle 114 to pull the plunger valve 112 in an upward direction, which in turn pulls the stopper 118 upward against the force of the spring 124.

To remove the plunger valve 112 from the dispensing spout 36 of the second preferred embodiment, the user disengages the handle 114 from the upper portion of the plunger valve 112. The user then unscrews the lid 120 from the base 116 which exposes the plunger valve 112, the spring 124 and the stopper 118. The plunger valve 112, spring 124 and stopper 118 can then be lifted from the base 116. Each of these components can be hand washed or machine washed to clean the dispensing spout 36.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 13-15, the dispensing tube 48 is generally hollow and is in communication with the interior of the collar 32. The dispensing spout 36 is preferably removably mounted on the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32. The dispensing spout 36 preferably includes threads 106 that mate the threads 104 on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 48 which extends from the collar 32 (FIGS. 14 and 15). However, the dispensing spout 36 can also include a fastening mechanism (not shown) that mates with locking keys 50 on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 48 which extends from the collar 32 (FIGS. 11 and 13). This fastening mechanism between the dispensing spout 36 and the dispensing tube 48 permits twist-locking of the dispensing spout 36 to the collar 32. Specifically, this fastening mechanisms permits engaging and disengaging of the dispensing spout 36 relative to the collar 32 by one-quarter twist engagement. However, the fastening mechanisms is not limited to threaded or one-quarter twist engagements and may be comprised of nearly any fastening device that permits removable mounting of the dispensing spout 36 relative to the collar 32. In addition, one having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the dispensing spout 36 may be fixed to the collar 32. In the preferred embodiment, blended foodstuff would flow from the jar 28, through the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32, into the dispensing spout 36, through the dispensing groove 46 of the gate valve 38, and out of the dispensing spout 36. One skilled in the art would recognize that the dispensing spout 36 could alternatively be removably attached to a dispensing spout (not shown) of the jar 28 without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10, a splash guard 60 is removably mounted to an exterior of the base 12. The splash guard 60 is shaped to align with and complimentary cover the recessed area 26 of the base 12. The splash guard 60 is preferably formed of a high strength, light weight material, such as a polymeric material. A top portion of the splash guard 60 contains a hole 62 through which the clutch 64 of the base 12 passes through. Two equidistantly spaced vertical alignment slots 70 are located on an exterior surface 72 of the splash guard 60 which complimentary engage two vertical alignment ridges 74 on an interior surface 76 of the outer housing 16 of the base 12. While two alignment slots 70 and ridges 74 are preferred, the present invention is not limited to any particular number of slots 70 and ridges 74. Further, a lock groove 78 on an upper perimeter of the splash guard 60 couples to a latch 80 located on the back surface 12 c of the base 12 when the splash guard 60 is mounted to the base 12. The latch 80 removably secures the splash guard 60 to the exterior of the base 16.

In operation the splash guard 60 is configured to lock or snap-fit onto the front 12 a and top 12 b of the base 12. To mount the splash guard 60 to the base 12, a user aligns the vertical alignment slots 70 on the exterior surface 72 of the splash guard 60 with the vertical alignment ridges 74 on the interior surface 76 of the base 12 the splash guard 60. The user then moves the splash guard 60 downward until it is flush with the front 12 a and top 12 b of the base 12. The splash guard 60 is snap-fitted to the base 12 when an outer perimeter of the splash guard 60 interferingly fits with the aligning groove 90 of the base 12. Further, slots 98, preferably provided on a lower end of the front 12 a of the base 12, engage hooks (not shown) that protrude from a lower inside surface of the splash guard 60 when the splash guard 60 is mounted to the base 12. Those skilled in the art would recognize that other snap-fitting means, such as clips or prongs, can be used to snap-fit the splash guard 60 to the base 12. The splash guard 60 is locked to the base 12 when the latch 80 of the base 12 locks to the lock groove 78 of the splash guard 60. The latch 80 locks onto the lock groove 78 when a tongue 80 a of the latch 80 slides over a shoulder 78 a of the lock groove 78. Once the tongue 80 a has slid over the shoulder 78 a, the tongue 80 a snaps downward onto a far edge of the shoulder 78 a and resists motion to remove the latch 80 from the lock groove 78. Those skilled in the art would recognize that the splash guard 60 is not required to be locked to the base 12. The snap-fitting of the splash guard 60 to the base 12 provides an adequately secure connection between the two structures. The locking action of the splash guard 60 to the base 12 merely provides further assurance to the user that the two structures will not become separated until so desired by the user.

In reference to FIGS. 6-7, the outer housing 52 of the collar 32 has three equidistantly spaced vertical alignment grooves 82 on an exterior surface 84 of the collar 32. The vertical alignment grooves 82 of the collar 32 complimentarily engage three vertical alignment ribs 86 on an interior surface 88 of the splash guard 60 when the collar 32 is mounted to the splash guard 60. While three alignment grooves 82 and ribs 86 are preferred, the present invention is not limited to any particular number of grooves 82 and ribs 86.

In operation, when a user desires to removably mount the collar 32 and jar 28 on the splash guard 60, the user aligns the vertical alignment grooves 82 on the exterior surface 84 of the collar 32 with the vertical alignment ribs 86 on the interior surface 88 of the splash guard 60. The collar 32 then slides downward towards the splash guard 60 until coming into abutting contact with the splash guard 60, where the clutch 64 becomes drivingly engaged with the blending tool 94.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 5 and 10, when the splash guard 60 is in place over the recessed area 26 of the base 12, the storage area 66 is completely enclosed. Various blender components, such as the cap 68, used to enclose the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 when the dispensing tube 36 is not in use, can be stored and protected in the storage area 66 of the base 12. Those skilled in the art would recognize that various blender components or spare parts could be stored in the storage area 66, such as an alternate blending tool (not shown). Further, one skilled in the art would recognize that the shape of the storage area 66 could be changed to accommodate different components without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 9, the latch 80 located on a back surface 12 c of the base 12 is moveable between a first arrangement wherein the latch 80 engages the lock groove 78 of the splash guard 60 to lock the splash guard 60 onto the base 12 and a second arrangement wherein the latch 80 pivots away from the top 12 b of the base 12 to disengage the lock groove 78 of the splash guard 60. This movement of the latch 80 allows for easy removal of the splash guard 60 from the base 12. A first end 80 b of the latch 80 is secured to a horizontal pin 13 located in a channel 17 in the back surface 12 c of the base 12. The horizontal pin 13 is located on a distal end of a tab 15 which is pivotably mounted within the channel 17 by a hinge mechanism 19. The tongue 80 a of the latch 80 is located on a second end of the latch 80 opposite the first end 80 b. The latch 80 pivots on the horizontal pin 13 at first end 80 b to move the second end of the latch 80 with the tongue 80 a in a vertical motion to act as an over the center latching mechanism. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the motion and shape of the pivot arm can be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, the pivot arm could be spring-biased or include a turning key to more securely lock the latch 80 with the lock groove 78. Further, the latch 80 could be omitted and the splash guard 60 merely snap-fits onto the base 12.

In operation, when a user desires to operate the mixing device 10 to blend food, the user takes the base 12 and places it on a countertop or tabletop (not shown). The user should make sure that the feet 24 of the mixing device 10 are flush against the top of the countertop or tabletop. The user then takes the splash guard 60, making sure to align the vertical alignment slots 70 with the vertical alignment ridges 74, and removably mounts the splash guard 60 onto the front 12 a and top 12 b of the base 12 so that the storage area 66 is completely enclosed. When mounting the splash guard 60 to the base 12, the user should make sure that the aligning groove 90 of the base 12 is flush against the exterior perimeter of the splash guard 60. Also, the user should ensure that the hole 62 of the splash guard 60 is directly aligned with the clutch 64 of the base 12. Next, the user pivots the latch 80 located on a back surface 12 c of the base 12 upwards to couple with the lock groove 78 of the splash guard 60. The splash guard 60 is now locked into place. When the splash guard 60 has been mounted to the base 12, the configuration will appear as shown in FIG. 8.

The user then mounts the jar 28 to the top of the collar 32. At this point, the user attaches the dispensing spout 36 to the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32. As previously described, the dispensing spout 36 either threadingly engages the dispensing tube or removably locks onto the locking keys 50 of the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 via the fastening mechanism (not shown) with a one-quarter twist engagement. Next, either the plunger valve 112 is inserted into the dispensing spout 36 or the gate valve 38 is inserted into the dispensing spout 36 as previously mentioned. Before beginning to blend foodstuff, the user should ensure that the handle 40, 114 is in the upper most position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 15) so that the gate valve 38 or plunger valve 112 is in the closed position. This prevents the blended foodstuff from escaping from the blender. Next, the user mounts the collar 32 to the top of the splash guard 60. In order to properly align the collar 32 with the splash guard 60, the vertical alignment grooves 82 on the exterior surface 84 of the collar 32 are aligned with the vertical alignment ribs 86 of the splash guard 60. The collar 32 is then slid downward until it reaches abutting contact with the splash guard 60. Once the user has properly connected the outlet cord 20 of the base 12 to an outlet (not shown), the mixing device 10 is ready to blend food.

It is understood by those skilled in the art that the cap 68 located in the recessed area 26 of the base 12 can be used to cover the end of the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32. The cap 68 can engage or disengage the dispensing tube 48 in a similar manner in which the dispensing spout 36 is attached to the end of the dispensing tube 48. To attach the cap 68 to the dispensing tube 48, a user either mates the threads 108 of the cap 68 with the threads 104 of the dispensing tube 48 (FIGS. 14 and 16) or rotates the cap 68 with a one-quarter twist so that a fastening mechanism (not shown) on the interior of the cap 68 engage the locking keys 50 on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 48 (FIG. 13). This configuration allows a user to blend food in the mixing device without the option of dispensing the blended food through the dispensing spout 36. For example, the cap 68 threadingly engages the dispensing tube 48 when the dispensing spout 36 is not in use and the cap 68 threadingly engages the projection 102 of the recessed area 26 when the dispensing spout 36 is in use. As seen in FIG. 14, a seal 110 located on the end of the threads 104 assures that the dispensing spout 36 or cap 68 sealingly engage the dispensing tube 48. Those skilled in the art would also understand that various other blender components, such as tools or extra blending instruments, can be stored in a storage area 66 of the base 12.

When a user has completed blending food in the mixing device 10, the user can dispense the blended food via the dispensing spout 36. During this operation, the blended food flows from the jar 28 down through the collar 32, through the dispensing tube 48 into the first end of the dispensing spout 36 through the gate valve 38 or below the stopper 118 and out the second end of the dispensing spout 36. To prevent food from flowing through this process, a user can take the handle 40 of the gate valve 38 or the handle 114 of the plunger valve 112 and move it in an upward direction. In this configuration, the dispensing groove 46 is not aligned with the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32 in the first preferred embodiment and the stopper 118 blocks the flow of foodstuff in the dispensing spout 36 in the second preferred embodiment.

When the user is finished using the mixing device 10, and is ready to begin clean up and preparation for storage of the mixing device 10, the various components of the mixing device 10 can be easily separated and removed to assist the user in clean up. First, the user would remove the jar 28 from the top of the collar 32. Next, the collar 32 is removed from the splash guard 60 in a vertical direction. The splash guard 60 is then removed from the front 12 a and top 12 b of the base 12 in a vertical direction. The splash guard 60 can now be easily cleaned separate from the other parts of the mixing device 10. Further, because the jar 28, collar 32 and splash guard 60 are separable and constructed of durable, lightweight material, all three items are capable of being cleaned in a dishwasher. In normal use, the base 12 of the mixing device 10 should not need extensive cleaning because the splash guard 60 will accumulate most of the errant blended food.

To clean the gate valve 38 of the first preferred embodiment, the user moves the handle 40 of the gate valve 38 away from the jar 28 as shown in FIG. 12. When the alignment key 44 of the gate valve 38 reaches the key slot 58 of the dispensing spout 36, the user can easily remove the gate valve 38 from the valve bore 54 of the dispensing spout 36 by sliding the gate valve 38 axially out of the dispensing spout 36. The gate valve 38 can now be easily cleaned as it is separated from the rest of the mixing device 10. Specifically, the dispensing groove 46 of the gate valve 38 is exposed to permit the user to easily clean the interior of the gate valve 38. Alternatively, the user can place the gate valve 38 into a dishwasher for cleaning.

To clean the plunger valve 112 of the second preferred embodiment, the user disengages the handle 114 from the upper portion of the plunger valve 112. Next, the user unscrews the lid 120 from the base 116 to expose the plunger valve 112, spring 124 and stopper 118. The plunger valve 112, spring 124 and stopper 118 can then be removed from the base 116. Each component can now be individually cleaned or placed in a dishwasher to remove any residual blended foodstuff in preparation for storage or blending other foodstuff.

To clean the dispensing spout 36, the user removes the dispensing spout 36 from the dispensing tube 48 of the collar 32. This is accomplished by rotating the dispensing spout 36 so that the threads 104, 106 no longer matingly engage (FIGS. 14 and 15) or so that the fastening mechanism (not shown) no longer engages the locking keys 50 on the exterior periphery of the dispensing tube 48 (FIG. 13). The dispensing spout 36 can now be easily cleaned as it is separated form the rest of the mixing device 10 structure. Specifically, the interior surfaces of the dispensing spout 36 are exposed to allow the user to directly clean the interior of the dispensing spout 36. Alternatively, the user can place the dispensing spout 36 into a dishwasher for easy cleaning.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A mixing device configured to blend food, the device comprising: a) a base housing a motor; b) a jar removably mounted to said base for containing food; c) a collar removably mounted between said base and said jar, said collar including a blending tool operatively engaged with said motor when positioned on said base; and d) a dispensing spout removably mounted to one of said collar and said jar, said dispensing spout including a plunger valve positioned therein and movable between a first position wherein food flows through said dispensing spout and a second position wherein food is prevented from flowing through said dispensing spout, said plunger valve being removable from said dispensing spout.
 2. A device in accordance with claim 1, further including a dispensing handle secured to said plunger valve for moving said plunger valve between said first and second positions.
 3. A device in accordance with claim 2, further including a dispensing tube projecting from a side of said collar, said dispensing spout being removably mounted to said dispensing tube.
 4. A device in accordance with claim 3, said dispensing spout further including a handle, a lid, a spring, a stopper and a base.
 5. A device in accordance with claim 4, wherein said lid is removably retained on said base of said dispensing spout with a threaded engagement to enclose said plunger valve, said spring and said stopper therein.
 6. A mixing device configured to blend food, the device comprising: a) a base housing a motor, said base having a recessed area, a projection extends from said recessed area; b) a jar removably mounted to said base for containing food; c) a collar removably mounted between said base and said jar, said collar including a blending tool operatively engaged with said motor when positioned on said base; and d) a splash guard removably mounted to said base, said splash guard covers said recessed area, wherein a space defined by said recessed area of said base and said splash guard provides storage for a cap, said cap is releasably mounted to said projection.
 7. A device in accordance with claim 6, wherein said recessed area extends from one side of said base to a top of said base.
 8. A device in accordance with claim 7, wherein said base includes a pivot arm on a top of said base, said pivot arm is movable between a first arrangement wherein said pivot arm engages a lock groove on said splash guard to lock said splash guard onto said base and a second arrangement wherein said pivot arm pivots away from said top of said base to disengage said lock groove of said splash guard to allow for the removal of said splash guard from said base.
 9. A device in accordance with claim 7, further including an aligning groove along a perimeter of said recessed area of said base to allow proper positioning of said splash guard.
 10. A device in accordance with claim 6, wherein said splash guard is configured to snap-fit onto a front and an upper surface of said base.
 11. A device in accordance with claim 6, further including a dispensing tube projecting from a side of said collar, said dispensing spout being removably mounted to said dispensing tube.
 12. A device in accordance with claim 11, wherein said cap releasably engages said dispensing tube when said dispensing spout is not in use and said cap releasably engages said projection of said recessed area when said dispensing spout is in use. 